Within and Without is a dramatic poem that explores the themes of monasticism, spirituality, relationships, identity, redemption, and inner conflict. The protagonist, Brother Julian, is a monk who feels distant from God and rejected by his fellow monks. He decides to break his vows and return to the secular world, where he encounters a variety of people and experiences that challenge his beliefs and force him to confront his own doubts and fears. Through his journey, Julian grapples with questions of faith, love, and the nature of reality, ultimately finding a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world.